6.7-magnitude quake hits Ecuador, kills at least 12

ISTANBUL – A strong earthquake struck Ecuador today, killing at least 12 people, according to the country’s Risk Management Secretariat.

The 6.7-magnitude quake, which was also felt in Peru, struck near the southern town of Balao at around 12.12pm local time (1.12am Malaysia time) and was more than 65-km deep, according to the US Geological Survey.

Eleven deaths were in El Oro and one in Azuay province, Anadolu Agency cited authorities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no threat of a tsunami.

President Guillermo Lasso urged residents to remain calm as officials assess the damage. People who were injured were being treated at hospitals, he added. – Bernama, March 19, 2023